Is constantly chewing gum harming you?

Are you one of those people who is known for always chewing gum at home, work, everywhere? If so, you may have wondered if your habit is causing any long-term damage to your teeth and jaws. Based on what is currently known, there is no real evidence that chewing gum is bad for your jaws. However, depending on the type of gum you are chewing, it may be bad for your teeth. If you chew gum, avoid those packed with sugar and instead select gum that contains Xylitol, a special sugar alcohol that not only tastes sweet but also inhibits the bacteria that cause decay.

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The importance of flossing

Flossing removes plaque and food that gets stuck in between the teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. If that plaque stays there, it can dull your smile and cause teeth to decay. Flossing also helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. Healthy mouths can also help prevent other diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. By removing that hard-to-reach plaque, you can even help to fight bad breath.

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The impact that stress has on your teeth

As with the rest of your body, stress can have a huge impact on your oral health. Whether you are bruxing (grinding) your teeth in your sleep or clenching your jaws every time your boss speaks, you may be causing excessive tooth wear, loosening your teeth, or getting painful joints (TMD—Temporomandibular Joint Disorder). However, the good news is that by seeking treatment from your dentist, your issues should be fixable before you cause permanent damage. With a custom-made occlusal (bite) guard, generally worn during sleep, you can protect your teeth, joints, and muscles from ongoing damage

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Toothbrushes: manual or battery powered

Technology impacts almost everything we do each day, so why should it be any different when it comes to your toothbrush? While some dentists feel that “it's not the brush as much as the hand that holds it,” the Cochrane Collaboration, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to providing evidence-based reporting of scientific based studies, found a modest but statistically significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis when comparing powered toothbrush use to manual brushing.

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